Charity fund for town gets off to flying start

Sarah Horne with one of her 'Kiss In A Box' Valentines gifts which she is selling in aid of the Love Leamington Fund.'mhlc-24-01-15 Horne Flowers NNL-150124-202737009

Published:13:14Thursday 29 January 2015

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The newly-launched Love Leamington charitable fund already has £8,000 swelling its coffers, with more expected to come soon.

As we reported earlier this month, the Love Leamington fund is the brainchild of the town’s MP, Chris White, working in tandem with the Courier, and is the first charity dedicated solely to the town.

Originating from Mr White’s pledge to give any increase in his MP’s salary to charity, the idea grew into a fund to benefit individual and charitable organisations in the town.

And the fund is now growing rapidly thanks to donations from local businesses. Solicitors Wright Hassall, the Emerald Group, Bravissimo and Aubrey Allen have all made donations while this year’s Leamington Business Awards has made the fund one of its nominated charity beneficiaries. In addition, Leamington Business Forum will be promoting the fund at every opportunity.

And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, acclaimed Leamington florist Sarah Horne Flowers has taken the ‘love’ theme to help the cause. For every one of its ‘A Kiss in a Box’ flowers it sells, the shop will donate £1 towards the Love Leamington fund.

The ‘A Kiss in a Box’ - a red rose in a glass votive and gift boxed - can be bought online by visiting www.sarahhorne.net, or calling the Warwick Street shop on 01926 424826.

Mr White said he was delighted by the progress of the fund so far.

“The fund has increased rapidly now it was been set up by the Heart of England Community Fund where individuals or businesses are able to donate.

“Hopefully by the end of February we could be seeing something in the region of £15,000 in the fund.

“The initial response has been very encouraging and demonstrates local people clearly identify with their town and how much community spirit there is out there.

“I’m very grateful to people who have taken the lead in contributing and I’m delighted people have come forward so early to support this fund which will make such a big difference to our town.”

He added: “I would also like to thank the Courier for supporting this initiative.”

If you would like to be involved in the fund please contact Tina Costello at Heart of England, at Tina@heartofenglandcf.co.uk or on 02476 883260.

The fund will be administered by a board which will include the editor of the Courier, and representatives from business, charity and education. The scope of the fund will be wide and could include applications from community groups, charity organisations and individuals.

It is hoped that the fund will be in a position to start asking for applications in June this year.